Episode 1: A new era at Newcastle United, Pre-season concerns and life After Eddie Howe
Published: 20/08/2026 | Duration: 1 Hr | Hosts: Jamie Smith, Simon Cahill & David Hutchinson
The Mag Podcost makes its debut as Jamie, Simon and Hutch get together to discuss Newcastle United from the perspective of supporters in the stands.
The Mag Pod combining the latest events around the club with opinions and talking points from The Mag.
You can play episode 1 on the audio player above or can also use your favourite podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Acast.
🎙️ THE MAG PODCAST
Ep 1: A new era at Newcastle United, Pre-season concerns and life After Eddie HoweListen to Episode 1 of The Mag Pod! Jamie, Simon, and Hutch debrief Newcastle’s Murrayfield clash, Eddie Howe’s exit, and predict the 2026/27 season.”
With pre-season drawing to a close, the panel reflect on an underwhelming set of (not so) friendly results and performances against Strasbourg, Bayer Leverkusen and Everton.
They discuss some of the early signs from the squad, concerns over creativity and defensive organisation, and how much can realistically be read into results before the competitive action begins.
A trip to Murrayfield also prompts a wider conversation about the matchday experience and whether Edinburgh could ever provide Newcastle United with a temporary home if redevelopment work at St James’ Park made it necessary.
Attention for The Mag Pod team then turns to a turbulent summer and the biggest change of all: Eddie Howe’s departure.
The panel look back on his achievements, debate whether the timing was right for both manager and club, and consider what Newcastle might now expect from his successor. With a new manager, significant changes to the squad and plenty of uncertainty surrounding the transfer window, opinions differ over just how difficult the 2026/27 campaign could prove to be.
The lads on The Mag Pod also make their predictions for Newcastle’s finishing position, opening run of fixtures and what would constitute a successful season, while reflecting on whether supporters would have accepted everything that has happened since the 2021 takeover.
Finally, thoughts turn to the Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James’ Park, the prospect of facing Alexander Isak and an emotional Kevin Keegan tribute as Newcastle begin another new chapter.
Key Moments
00:18 – Introducing The Mag Pod
02:13 – Newcastle’s pre-season performances
12:25 – Everton at Murrayfield and the matchday experience
20:36 – Could Newcastle temporarily play at Murrayfield?
27:19 – Eddie Howe’s departure and the new manager
37:46 – Predictions for Newcastle’s 2026/27 season
52:31 – Reflecting on five years since the takeover
54:23 – Liverpool preview and Kevin Keegan tribute
59:20 – Final thoughts
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